CVE-2018-8568 in SharePoint Enterprise Server
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Microsoft SharePoint Server does not properly sanitize a specially crafted web request to an affected SharePoint server, aka "Microsoft SharePoint Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft SharePoint Server, Microsoft SharePoint. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8572.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8568 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Microsoft SharePoint Server environments. This security weakness stems from the server's inadequate sanitization of specially crafted web requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges within the affected system. The vulnerability specifically targets Microsoft SharePoint Server and SharePoint implementations, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely heavily on these platforms for document management, collaboration, and enterprise content services. The flaw allows unauthorized users to potentially gain higher-level access rights than initially granted, fundamentally compromising the security model of the SharePoint environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of web requests that contain maliciously crafted parameters or content. When a SharePoint server processes such requests without adequate validation and sanitization, it can inadvertently execute unauthorized operations or access restricted resources. This typically occurs through manipulation of URL parameters, form inputs, or other web request components that the server should normally reject or properly sanitize. The vulnerability falls under the category of input validation flaws, which are commonly classified as CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific web requests that bypass normal access controls and authentication mechanisms, effectively allowing them to perform actions they would not normally be permitted to execute.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8568 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially enabling comprehensive system compromise and data exfiltration. Once an attacker successfully elevates their privileges, they can access sensitive documents, modify content, create new user accounts, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using SharePoint Server 2016 and SharePoint Server 2019, where the improper request handling creates persistent security gaps that can be exploited repeatedly. The implications for enterprise environments are severe, as SharePoint servers often serve as central repositories for confidential business information, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security patches released in August 2018 as part of the Microsoft Security Response Center's advisory. Network segmentation and monitoring of SharePoint traffic can help detect anomalous request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. Administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and strengthening access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerability within the SharePoint environment, ensuring comprehensive protection against this and similar threats.